Following the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ announcement earlier today and under the advisement of the N.C. Forest Service, the Lee County Fire Marshal’s Office has issued an open burning ban in Lee County.
As of 8am Friday, March 21, 2025, a burn ban was issued by the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services due to hazardous forest fire conditions, and has cancelled all burning permits and prohibits all open burning for the entire state of North Carolina.
An additional burn ban was issued by the N.C. Forest Service; however, it does not apply to a fire within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling, which is within the local government agency’s jurisdiction over open burning within 100 feet of an occupied dwelling. The N.C. Forest Service has advised County Fire Marshals of the burning ban and has asked for their consideration of also implementing a burning ban.
The Lee County Fire Marshal’s Office has followed the recommendation from the N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and has issued an open burning ban effective immediately today, Friday, March 21, 2025. Open burning shall be prohibited when atmospheric conditions or local circumstances make such fires hazardous.
Under North Carolina law, the ban prohibits all open burning in the affected counties, regardless of whether a permit was previously issued. The issuance of any new permits has also been suspended until the ban is lifted. Anyone violating the burn ban faces a $100 fine plus $183 court costs. Any person responsible for setting a fire may be liable for any expenses related to extinguishing the fire.
The burning ban does not apply to charcoal or gas grills provided fire safety precautions are taken.
The burn ban will remain in place until further notice. Local fire departments and law enforcement officers are assisting the N.C. Forest Service in enforcing the burn ban. The N.C. Forest Service will continue to monitor conditions.
Residents with questions regarding a specific county can contact their N.C. Forest Service County Ranger or the Lee County Fire Marshal’s Office at 919-718-4670.